I'm sailing out of Bergen, its island-scattered fjord providing a pleasing panorama through the vast windows of Viking Sun's Explorer Lounge. The elegant port city, Norway's former medieval capital, has been a delight of gabled houses and markets, but now I'm looking forward to grand landscapes.
Hanseatic Wharf, Bergen.
My 14-night Viking Cruises 'Into the Midnight Sun' itinerary is sailing to London by way of Norwegian fjords and Scottish islands. Next morning in Geirangerfjord, cliffs soar and waterfalls tumble in a fabulous overture of scenery. Over the next days, Molde and Tromsø provide panoramas of snow-capped peaks, pine-topped islands and shimmering Arctic Sea.
Geirangerfjord.
The landscape's colours seem to have inspired my ship's décor. Viking Sun, near identical to Viking's other 930-passenger ships, has a no-fuss, light-flooded Scandinavian design of muted colours and natural materials such as birch wood, slate and leather. Happily, there are no glitzy amenities, casinos or waterslides. During days at sea, I relax on deck, enjoy afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, and retreat to the spa's warm-water pool and ceramic loungers. I also enjoy curling up in Explorer Lounge with a coffee and view of Norway's mountains.
Explorer Lounge on Viking Sun.
The Lofoten Islands provide some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes. Sheer mountain peaks rise from the sea, cupping verdant farmland and brightly painted fishermen's houses.
The Lofoten Islands.
This is a beautiful ship, but destinations count too. My cruise focuses on day-long stays in port and overnights in Bergen and London, emphasising learning and local culture. In the Orkney Islands, we explore extraordinary 5000-year-old standing stones and Georgian-era seafaring town Stromness. Edinburgh is another treat, our tour concentrating on its medieval old town topped by a whopping castle.
Old Town, Edinburgh.
Viking Sun finally anchors in Greenwich in London. Its rich maritime history makes it a fitting place to finish a cruise - even if, really, I don't want it to end.
This 15-night Viking Cruises itinerary Cruise sails across the Arctic Circle then follows the path of Vikings from the remote beauty of North Cape to the windswept Shetland and Orkney Islands of Scotland, with a visit to the Scottish capital Edinburgh.
To discover these Norwegian splendours for yourself, talk to a Travel Associates cruise specialist and book your next cruise today.
one of a kind holiday?
Takes 3 minutes